How long do hearing aid receivers last?

Hearing aids are a vital part of many people’s lives, yet often go unquestioned in terms of their longevity. People assume that if they take good care of their individual hearing instruments and their receivers, they will last forever. However, this is not always the case. The average lifespan of a hearing aid receiver depends on a variety of factors, including how often you use them, how well they’re taken care of, and the type of device you have. In this blog post, we will explore how long hearing aid receivers typically last and what factors affect their lifetime.

What is a Hearing Aid Receiver and What Does It Do?

A hearing aid receiver is the part of the hearing aid that sits in your ear and converts the incoming sound into electromagnetic signals. These signals are then sent to the amplifier, which makes the sound louder. The receiver also houses the speaker, which emits the amplified signal into sound back into your ear.

Receivers come in different styles, including:

• In-the-ear (ITE)
• In-the-canal (ITC)
• Completely-in-canal (CIC)
• Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Each style has its own set of pros and cons, but they all serve the same basic purpose: to amplify sound so that you can have regular or advanced hearing.

How Long On Average is the Hearing Aid Life Expectancy?

The lifespan of a hearing aid receiver and hearing aid performance depends on several factors, including:

• How often do you use them
• How well they’re taken care of
• The type of device you have

Let’s explore each of these factors in more detail:

How Often You Use Them

The more often you use your hearing aids, the shorter their lifespan will be. This is because receivers are constantly exposed to earwax and other debris, which can clog up the speaker and cause it to fail. If you wear your hearing aids every day, you can expect them to last around three to five years. However, if you only wear them occasionally, they could last much longer.

How Well They’re Taken Care Of

In addition to how often you use your hearing aids, how well you take care of them will also affect their lifespan and treat a wide range of hearing loss. It’s important to clean your hearing aids regularly with a soft, dry cloth. You should also avoid getting them wet, as this can damage the electronics. If you take good care of your hearing aids, they should last five to seven years.

The Type of Device You Have

Finally, the type of hearing aid you have will also affect its lifespan. In-the-ear (ITE) devices are the most durable and can last up to eight years with proper care. In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) devices are less durable and typically only last three to five years. Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices are the least durable and usually only last two to four years.

How Can You Make Sure Your Hearing Aids and Receivers Last As Long As Possible?

There are several things you can do to extend the lifespan of your hearing aid receivers, including:

• Clean them regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Avoid getting them wet
• Store them in a cool, dry place
• Bring them to your audiologist for regular check-ups

If you take good care of your hearing aids, they should last five to seven years. However, the type of hearing aid you have will also affect its lifespan. In-the-ear (ITE) devices are the most durable and can last up to eight years with proper care.

What Are Some Common Problems with Hearing Aid Receivers?

The most common problems with hearing aid receivers are:

• Clogged speaker
• Damaged electronics
• Dead batteries

Clogged speakers are the most common problem and usually occur when earwax or other debris gets inside the receiver. This can cause the sound to become distorted or muted. If you notice your hearing aid isn’t working as well as it used to, make sure to clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth or softly with a cleaning brush. You should also avoid getting it wet, as this can damage the electronics.

Damaged electronics is another common problem and is usually caused by exposure to water. If you get your hearing aid wet, make sure to dry it off immediately and bring it to your audiologist for a check-up.

Dead batteries are the third most common problem and usually occur when the batteries are old or low on power. If you notice your hearing aid isn’t working as well as it used to, make sure to replace the batteries.

If problems persist, consult your hearing specialist for diagnosis and possible solutions.

What Should You Do If Your Hearing Aid Receiver Stops Working?

If your hearing aid receiver stops working, the first step is to check the battery. If the battery life is low, replacing it should fix the problem. If the problem persists, then you will need to clean the receiver. To do this, remove the receiver from your ear and use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any debris or buildup. Once you have cleaned the receiver, reattach it to your ear and see if it is working properly. If not, then you may need to take it to a professional for repairs or replacement. In the meantime, you can use a backup hearing aid or an assistive hearing device to help you hear better.

How to Take Care of Your Hearing Aids and Receivers

Hearing aid receivers are delicate and need to be taken care of properly to maintain optimal performance. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your hearing aid receivers:

• Store them in a clean, dry place when you’re not using them. Make sure the storage area is free of dust, dirt, and other debris.
• Remove the batteries when you’re not using the hearing aid receivers. This will help to prolong their lifespan.
• Handle the hearing aid receivers gently. Be careful not to drop them or subject them to other forms of impact.
• Clean the hearing aid receivers regularly with a soft, dry cloth. You can also use a specialized cleaning solution designed for hearing aids. avoid getting any water or other liquids on the receivers.
• Bring them to your audiologist or hearing professional for regular hearing check-ups, as well as an annual hearing test. This will help to ensure that they are functioning properly and that any problems are caught early so that you have a long-lasting hearing aid for years to come.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your hearing aid receivers remain in good working condition and give you improved hearing for as long as possible.

However, if you’re not getting like-new performance from the aids or you hear a change in your listening environment, you should see your hearing care provider diagnose the problem and possibly schedule professional cleanings.

Hearing aid receivers are an important part of the overall hearing aid experience. They play a critical role in amplifying sound and making sure that you can hear clearly. If you’re having problems with your hearing aids or receivers, don’t hesitate to reach out to a hearing healthcare professional for help. Our team at Southwestern Hearing Centers is here to provide top-quality care to people with any age-related hearing loss and assist you with all of your hearing needs and find the right hearing solution for you. We offer a wide range of products and services to make sure that you can enjoy life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, or to schedule an appointment online with one of our experts.